Program targets Elders needs

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A brand new program at Victoria's Camosun College is creating a lot of excitement among First Nation communities. Starting in January 2005, and extending over 37 weeks, students in the First Nations Home Support program will learn the skills needed to work as care providers for Elders at home or in long-term assisted living facilities.

Janice Simcoe, department chair of First Nations Education and Services for the past 14 years, said the program was designed to meet the shortage of certified workers in long-term care facilities, both on- and off-reserve.

"More of our Elders are surviving to an elderly age and living in homes where all the adults are working or going to school. There is an ever-increasing need arising for good-quality care outside of the family home," she said. "We know there is a strong possibility that quite soon down the road we'll be seeing more Elder care homes being built on reserve and we are wanting our own people staffing those homes."

The program is offered at other post-secondary institutions in the area, but often the English requirements needed to qualify are higher than needed in First Nation settings. "And students want to learn the specifics of caring for Aboriginal Elders, which the mainstream educational programs don't cover," added Simcoe. Camosun, which welcomes at least 500 students from more than 50 First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities every year, has put together a unique course of studies that incorporates all the necessary components, from traditional ways of treating illness to English language skill development.

A practicuum will give students hands-on experience in a Native setting.

"By September 2005 when they graduate, they'll be certified to work in any kind of long-term care facility or home support, and will be an integral part of the community health system," Simcoe said.

Sharon Dixon is the chair of the continuing care program. She pointed out other topics the students will study that include how to use mechanical lifts to get patients in and out of bed, monitoring medications, nutrition, and dietary and lifestyle choices.

Dixon said, "Our approach is very holistic, and it's more than the medical model of physical care. It's the psychological and emotional support as well. The social aspect which the worker's visit provides is just as important to the Elder as the health care."

Dixon added that often an employer expects workers to conduct as many home visits in a day as possible, but the real need is often met by being able to spend an extra few minutes talking to an Elder and becoming part of his or her social network.

"Within the program we have two courses that will instruct the students in the cultural specifics of First Nations communities, so they have a greater understanding. We are also bringing in Elders to talk to the students and it's exciting to think of the increased knowledge they will take with them," Dixon said.

Simcoe said that initial response from the communities in the area which Camosun serves, namely, the traditional territory of the nine Vancouver Island Salish tribes, has been favourable. "Many of the students who have shown interest in attending the program as students are already in care-giver positions and wish to extend their knowledge," she said. "They are doing fantastic work but they are aware that they need training and certification that would allow them to do more." A consultation process with the communities was held before the program was designed to ensure these needs were identified and included.